Sherry Powers is coming forward for the first time during National Victim's of Crime Week.
She endured years of sexual abuse before telling a teacher and shocking investigators who had years of experience.
"It was a horrific childhood," says Powers. "While my parents were out doing their thing I was the one raising my younger brothers and sister."
Powers says she is speaking out to help reduce the stigma associated with sex crimes.
She's had 10 surgeries to fix damage from sexual assaults.
The perpetrator spent four years in prison. He is out and living in Ottawa the last Powers heard; but she says she is no longer afraid.
